A recent Oregon State University study showed that autistic children tend to be significantly less active than their non-autistic peers. The study, which was published last fall in “Autism Research and Treatment,” showed that autistic children participated in 50 minutes less of moderate physical activity than typically-developed children, and spent 70 minutes more each day sitting.

Fortunately, the study also showed that autistic children were just as physically capable as their peers. “Our results are encouraging as they indicate that children and youth with an ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) show capacity to meet daily guidelines for physical fitness and activity.” You can read the full study HERE

If you are a parent or an occupational therapist looking for a ways to get a child with an ASD to be more active, consider rebounding on a bellicon. Bouncing is a health-boosting activity that children really enjoy, with or without developmental issues, but it also provides exceptional vestibular and proprioceptive feedback, making it particularly beneficial for children with an ASD.

Carrie Einck, a pediatric OT in Chicago, shares her experiences with the bellicon in this YouTube VIDEO

Charles C. Noble once said “First we make our habits, then our habits makes us”

It sounds simple but having to do one thing and another does require effort and mindfulness. Finding a game plan and executing can be a trial and error process however once you’ve found the equation, everything else would seem to naturally move in autopilot.

Before I started lacing my rubbers on and head out for a run, I was always ‘wishing’ and ‘hoping.’ I had my goals written on my head, thinking in this digital age, I can just perhaps have it on my mobile notes and it can remind me in the process. Well, that didn’t work out. There’s magic in having to write it down on paper and actually giving it a lot of thought.

I was reminded on why and how I started with this blog back in 2007 when I was still in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I migrated to another country from Asia on solo and had no one else to lean to but the virtual world where I knew, I can just be myself, write my thoughts in, and share goals with the rest of the world whom may possibly be also working on theirs.

This blog formed accountability buddies and I’ve made friends with some whom I still get in-touch with on Facebook. I wrote in every single day about my experience running around the Butte, how I’ve endured an elevated area, inclined and downward roads, sunny weather to conquering snow.

I fell in-love with running since and progressed from a miler to finishing a number of pikermi and marathons; to hitting the road to enjoying laps on the pool (and even remembering how I described myself as a rock, having a hard time to float).

On finishing the third week, welcoming the fourth week of my training towards the #roadtotri, I’ve broken down my goals into chunks. Finally, I have gotten myself back and have proven that only when you focus on one thing and pour in all your energy will you be able to conquer one goal after another. I had to be kind and forgiving, for someone who regained the weight and lost the endurance, taking baby steps up until my leg muscles re-recognize the action, I’d be able to do further and farther.

Establish the Habit. The game plan is to get back on the road and do a miler, increase another mile on the second week and sustain from the third up until the fourth for 3km, gradually increase and have a 5km mark be the base. Once I get to log a 5km mark, I’d give myself another two or three weeks to progress and get comfortable.

Trust the Training. There are tons of references you may use as a guide however not all training plan may be right for you but once you get to really sit on it and analyze, you may customize your plan according to how your body responds before, during and after each run. Follow but if you must alter, then do so.

Once the habit has been established, you wouldn’t need to focus on it much. You’d be able to proceed for the next. You’ll know when you’re ready.

These past three weeks, my weekdays schedule has been waking up as early as either 530am or 630am, getting to work an hour or two earlier than agreed time to acclimatized, having to spend an hour to study to wait for traffic to wane off.

MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES—Every woman is at risk. Cervical cancer is a major problem for Filipino women: it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas, with seven dying of the dreaded disease every single day.[i] What’s more worrying is that two in three Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years.[ii] Cervical cancer is a risk for women regardless of race, age, lifestyle or socio-economic status.[iii]

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus.[iv]

GSK & VMV Hypoallergenics partnership on the fight vs Cervical Cancer

The human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus, is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. It has been shown that 99.7 percent of cervical cancer patients are positive for HPV infection.[v] It is also estimated that up to 80 percent of women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.[vi]

While HPV is primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin genital contact is also a recognized mode of transmission.[vii],[viii],[ix] Lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of cervical cancer, such as being conscientious about one’s sexual activities. Beyond regular consultations and pap smears by your OB-GYN, vaccines that protect against cancer-causing HPV are also now readily available.

A risk regardless of age

Based on a study of 307 women in Ontario, the incidence of cancer-causing HPV infection is actually highest at the young ages of 15-19.[x] The World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization reiterates the importance of getting young girls protected through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as 9 years old.[xi],[xii]

What about older women? The risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) increases with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old.[xiii] Thus, screening is recommended starting age 21 to detect cervical abnormalities that precede actual cervical cancer.[xiv] Vaccination remains to be recommended for older women to prevent new HPV infections.

Power Over Cervical Cancer

Leading research-based pharmaceutical company GSK continues to ramp up its cervical cancer awareness efforts this year with the patient—the woman—always in mind. In the Philippines, the Power Over Cervical Cancer campaign urges Filipinas to realize that they are empowered—that they can do something to prevent the disease from happening to them, so they don’t miss out on a colorful life ahead or leave their loved ones behind.

Purple lips against cervical cancer

In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, GSK Philippines launched its partnership with cosmetics manufacturer VMV Hypoallergenics at a press event entitled Put On Your Power Pout!, held last May 28th at Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The partnership introduces a twist on spreading awareness: encouraging women to join the movement by wearing purple lipstick to show their support for the advocacy on cervical cancer prevention.

“Cancer is quite a distant concept for women who are well. What might be more important to them is keeping up with the latest trends, especially in fashion and beauty. The lipstick is a woman’s own—when she wears it, she makes a statement about herself. Through this partnership with VMV, we hope to drive women to make a statement against cervical cancer,” says Mark Castillo, GSK product manager.

Jacklyn Remo, assistant marketing manager for VMV Hypoallergenics, supports the movement: “We are fully committed toward this partnership with GSK Philippines. At VMV Hypoallergenics, we promise the safest, most proven effective care on the planet—and that extends to beauty. This unique combination of science, wellness and beauty means we also strongly stand for advocacies that help women, their health and happiness.”

JOIN THE MOVEMENT NOW—take a photo of yourself wearing VMV Hypoallergenics’ Tutu or Chorus Line lipstick (or a photo of you holding your kiss mark from the lipstick) and post it on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtags #PowerPout and #PowerOverCervicalCancer!

A health service message brought to you by GSK. For further information on cervical cancer, please consult your doctor.

Today marks the 5th year since I conquered my first marathon. It did made me reminisce the discipline and commitment I’ve put into. If I was able to conquer it before, eventually, I’d be able to conquer it again.

I took so much time away from running and other activities which has left me not getting to update as much as I used to addictively post. Honestly, It feels great having to jot down what I’ve been doing these past few days which brings me back to sharing my life in cyberspace aside from social media.

I am gearing towards the third week on my #roadtotri #FLYproject (First Love Yourself) and it feels damn good celebrating everyday milestones.

The welcoming wasn’t easy. I couldn’t let my legs go and I was starting to feel defeated. I thought, Hey, how did I get here? I feel so damn heavy and I’ve put on so much weight. I fought with the negativity and argued, being consistent will make things easier.

Base training. Day 1. #FLYproject #roadtotriOn my first day, commencing the first week, I made sure I had the right tunes to get me hyped up. With the help of Spotify, Strava and Running apps, I got to tie my shoelaces on and had the volume on blast. The wind brushed through my cheeks, as I planted each foot on the ground – I found myself smiling. Admittedly, It wasn’t a smooth and easy run. I felt the stiffness, soreness and aches. Focused on achieving a kilometer, I’ve agreed with my body to take it easy and to take it one day at a time, focus on base strength training up until I get to comfortably finish a 5km once again.

Second Week Base training #FLYproject #roadtotriOn my second week, I endeavored to fight my laziness and tantrums by waking up as early as 5am and log-in mileage. I knew I had to take it easy as I don’t want to feel exhausted in the middle of the day at work; I’ve increased mileage from a kilometer to finally having to comfortably log 2kms. I had to observe myself throughout the day if the morning schedule is right for me knowing I had to be at work up until 7pm. Although the first day had yawn moments, it has been starting to become beneficial. I get to start the day with great intentions and confidence.

Third week. Base training #FLYproject #roadtotriLast Saturday was the wow! moment. I came from work, had running clothes kept in my car and took it as the personal night out weekend. Instead of listening to r&b, EDM, rock and party songs. I settled on military cadences tunes which I used to listen to; a friend who’s in the military sent me tracks before – I couldn’t believe I was answering back to every word the Corps commander was saying and found myself finishing 3kms non-stop. It wasn’t the 3km, 18mins I used to conquer but it felt damn good progressing!

From there, I knew I can do all things with consistency, patience and perseverance.

I really appreciate all the support you’ve been pouring on my social media accounts. Every LIKE, comment and cheer makes a huge difference. I would also want to thank the sponsors who kept on believing me despite knowing I have been out of scene for so long and have put on so much weight. Your love, support and understanding means so much.

Icelandic Glacial™, the super-premium natural spring water from Iceland, is inviting Americans to experience the “Icelandic Way” of life with the launch of its “Pursue your Passions” campaign , beginning on January 28th. Iceland is a land of red-hot volcanoes and frozen glaciers. This beautiful, raw environment influences everything from the arts to the culinary tastes and strength of Iceland’s inhabitants. Icelanders live their lives without compromise and are passionate about the pursuit of their goals. This is evident by the disproportionate number of world-class athletes, world-renowned chefs and great artists that hail from this tiny island country. Icelandic Glacial is celebrating that determination with an ongoing series of contests that allow consumers to experience the “Icelandic Way” first-hand.

The first themed part in a year-long campaign series will celebrate Iceland’s fearless Viking heritage by focusing on strength and fitness. Iceland’s Viking ancestors settled in a land where volcanoes and glaciers clashed. Because of this harsh environment, they developed a legendary will to survive and cultivated a culture of strength and fitness.

Participants in this first series will have a chance to travel to “The Land of Fire and Ice” to train with two-time CrossFit Games competitor, Frederik Aegidius, as he prepares to compete for Iceland in the 2014 games. Frederik found inspiration in Iceland’s high-caliber athletes and strong dedication to health and fitness. This coupled with the country’s notoriety for placing well in the games led to his decision to compete for Iceland this year. “Icelandic Glacial is very proud of its strong heritage, and we want to share the benefits of this culture with consumers.

Currently, there is a lot of interest and curiosity about Iceland and we want to use this campaign to inspire people by showing them how Icelanders live their lives,” commented Jon Olafsson, chairman and co-founder, Icelandic Glacial. “We’re very excited to partner with Frederik for the first part of this ongoing series.

The passion and dedication he exhibits for his sport is a great example of how to pursue one’s passion without compromise. It will truly be an eye-opening experience for someone to have the unique opportunity to personally train with him in Reykjavik.” Beginning on January 28, 2014, U.S. consumers are invited to visit the Icelandic Glacial Facebook page to submit an overview detailing how they passionately pursue strength and fitness and why they want to train with Frederik in Iceland.

The entry phase will close on March 23rd and then the public will be invited to vote for the best candidate to send to Iceland to experience fitness the “Icelandic Way.” While in Iceland, the winner will have three training sessions with Frederik at his box in Reykjavik.

To inspire consumers pursuing their fitness goals, Frederik will also post a series of tips and videos throughout the campaign on the Icelandic Glacial Facebook page.

“I am thrilled to represent Icelandic Glacial during this campaign to connect people with Icelandic heritage. I am continuously inspired by the country and the passionate way its athletes tackle their goals.” commented Frederik Aegidius. “I’m also eager to work with the winning participant in Iceland – being immersed in the Icelandic culture and surrounded by athletes who are completely dedicated to the sport is a life-changing experience.”

# # #

About Icelandic Glacial™ Icelandic Glacial™ is the super-premium natural spring water from the “Land Of Fire and Ice.” Icelandic Glacial™ uses 100% natural green energy to fuel production delivering a premium bottled water to discerning consumers around the world while maintaining a “net zero” carbon footprint. As a testament to its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial™ has been selected by Christian Dior as the exclusive hydration agent in the Diorsnow line of skin care products. Icelandic Glacial™ is distributed in the United States by Anheuser-Busch InBev which holds a 20% ownership stake in the Company. For more information, visit www.IcelandicGlacial.com.

9 months seem like a long time – no, actually, it is a long time of me not having to update my activities nor was I able to tie my shoelaces, dress in my favorite Reebok activewear and got myself on the road to either Swim, Bike or Run. Sure, I had occasional Yoga sessions and home practice but not having to be actively out everyday was excruciatingly depressing.

My #roadtotri was held due to work engagements.

Often times life happens, it eats you up and you tend to just suddenly neglect, forget or become too tired to actually add few more minutes for a HIIT training or any other activities side-by-side or on top of your to do lists. Wrong, totally wrong.

Those days are over. It’s time to get back in the game and have myself as a priority.

Blessed and graced to be in a company wherein your overall well-being and activities are encouraged. I’m definitely getting myself back on track

I’d like to call it as a F.L.Y PROJECT – FLY, an abbreviation which means First Love Yourself or to move or be hurled quickly through the air – flourish!

So, this is me, my first post in a long time which would document my life. It has been proven that once you get yourself heard and have that accountability feeling, it’ll be more likely you’d be able to actively be in your element and make things happen.

Herzogenaurach, Germany (January, 2015) – The Energy Running revolution has taken a bold new step as adidas unveiled the greatest running shoe ever, Ultra BOOST. At a guarded launch location in New York City, Yohan Blake, David Villa, Sammy Watkins and a team of elite athletes pledged their allegiance to the revolution while hundreds of witnesses from around the world were onsite for the introduction of Ultra BOOST.

Attending athletes and guests experienced the superiority of Ultra BOOST through state-of-the-art live testing demonstrations using the ARAMIS system also used by top engineering institutions like NASA, Boeing and Audi to measure crash tests, vibration analysis and durability studies. adidas developed Ultra BOOST using ARAMIS’ 3D shape and surface measurement to provide a fully adaptable running experience. Ultra BOOST intuitively adjusts to a runner’s stride delivering the unrivalled Energy Return of BOOST™, superior support and adaptive comfort over hundreds of kilometres, in virtually any environment.

“To answer the world’s athletes’ call for more Energy we aimed to create the greatest running shoe ever and we’ve done exactly that with Ultra BOOST,” said Eric Liedtke, adidas Executive Board Member. “adidas has raised the industry standard with BOOST and will continue blazing a path in Energy Running for those who dare to follow.”

UNRIVALLED ENERGY RETURN

Ultra BOOST features 20 percent more* BOOST cushioning material, the highest Energy Return cushioning in the running industry, and has eliminated the traditional EVA midsole for more direct contact to provide the ultimate expression of BOOST. Made of thousands of unique energy capsules, BOOST delivers a consistent performance over hundreds of kilometres, in virtually any condition.

ADAPTIVE COMFORT

To complement the unrivalled Energy Return of BOOST, Ultra BOOST features an innovative update to adidas’ PRIMEKNIT technology built to reach new heights of comfort, support and style.

A runner’s foot can remarkably expand up to 10 mm or more in width while running. When restrained, this expansion can cause severe discomfort, friction and the leading injury in running, blisters. Unlike other leading knit technologies the innovative PRIMEKNIT pattern of Ultra BOOST provides comfortable support in less expansive areas of the foot and adaptive stretch where it’s needed to deliver maximum comfort.

“Each technology featured in Ultra BOOST was built to complement each other providing energized adaptability through a customized fit, look and feel,” said Ben Herath, Vice President of Design for adidas Running. “While we’ve taken innovation to the next level, the sleek silhouette of Ultra BOOST is built to look as good as it performs.”

ENERGY HARNESSED

One of the most advanced features of Ultra BOOST is the Stretch Web outsole that adapts and stretches to your foot strike and movement. The perforated elastic design harnesses and maximizes the Energy of BOOST without restricting any of its qualities. The unique appearance of the Stretch Web outsole is the perfect look to complement the eye-catching Energy capsules of BOOST.

SUPERIOR SUPPORT

Ultra BOOST also features an entirely new heel construction that frees the natural movement of the Achilles tendon. A carefully tuned external heel counter comfortably cradles the foot and adapts to the high extension of the Achilles. A new featherweight sock liner adapts to the runner’s natural foot form, for a customized fit and feel.

Ultra BOOST also boasts a new dual-density TORSION® SYSTEM, embedded into the shoe’s base. This allows more independent movement between heel and forefoot for superior stability and a smooth, more controlled run.

Your greatest run ever awaits with Ultra BOOST at www.adidas.com/ultraboost. adidas Ultra BOOST will be available in leading adidas stores in the Philippines and Runnr BGC from February 25, 2015 at P 8295.

Join the adidas Energy running movement by following @adidasph on Twitter or Instagram.

Many people will have a preference where it comes to the type of exercise they do. Some may eschew cardiovascular training in favor of weight training, or vice versa. However, a balanced exercise routine is the best way to achieve and maintain your health and vitality as our age inevitably progresses. Strength training is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Bone Health Goes Beyond Drinking Milk

Osteoporosis affects both women and men and is a part of the aging process. But both cardiovascular and strength training helps to fortify bones. These exercises stimulate the repair process that’s vital to bone integrity. When we exercise, two vital cells in bone repair and fortification – osteoclasts and osteoblasts – go to work replacing old and brittle bone with new, healthy bone as a response to the exercise stimuli. When we exercise, we are literally building ourselves a healthier skeleton.

Although cardiovascular exercises and strength exercises do promote osteoclast/osteoblast activity, many cardiovascular exercises tend to focus on the weight bearing parts of the lower body. Although this does benefit the bones, it does so only for those located in your lower body, leaving the bones in the upper body neglected unless strength training is included in your routine.

The Importance Of Muscle Mass

The body begins to lose muscle mass with age due to the natural shift in hormones. However, the majority of loss in muscle mass can be blamed on a sedentary lifestyle. We tend to become more sedentary as we age as our social circles and activities become more limited. In the absence of physical stimulus or a strength-training/strength maintenance routine, existing muscle mass becomes weaker, eventually becoming replaced by fat.

Strength Training For Healthy Joints

A common piece of advice is to not move any joint that hurts. However, exercising has the potential to improve joint health and mobility, as long as there is no existing serious injury to the joint itself. An otherwise healthy joint that isn’t in use will increase in rigidity. Should the time come that we are forced to use these rigid joints beyond our typical capacity, they can become inflamed and painful. But when we exercise the joint safely and effectively, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding that joint are strengthened, which improves its function and integrity.

Proprioception and Balance.

What is proprioception, you may ask? Proprioception is our ability to infer our body’s place in space relative to our surrounding. Simply put, it’s what allows us to walk down a flight of stairs without having to look at our feet at each step, and lets us walk through a doorway without one of our wayward arms inadvertently hitting the door frame. In those moments, it’s our proprioception which allows us to know exactly where our entire body is in relation to our surroundings without the need for us to focus on each individual limb.

Our sense of proprioception depends on the types and varieties of the stimuli we encounter. For example, if we only move our bodies in a single plane of motion or we are unable to keep our balance when resisting a force, we are more prone to injury and falls. However, by engaging in strength training, we become more accustomed to the various stimuli that toy with our balance in a daily basis, and are ultimately more able to appropriately regulate our response by contracting our muscles and counteracting the force.

The Role Of Proprioception In Functional Strength and Aging

Functional strength can be roughly defined as the ability to carry out various everyday tasks. As we age, we experience a decline in our functional strength, thanks to a myriad of physiological and social factors. This loss of strength and proprioception reduces our ability to carry out daily tasks safely and effectively. It is this reduction in functional ability that makes tasks that are both simple and safe for a younger person difficult or even impossible for an older person. While a young person may have no trouble squatting to pick up a dropped item or carrying something down a flight of stairs, it could be daunting task for someone who’s older.

Take Your Time With Strength Training

Many people implement their strength training routine too quickly by lifting weights that are too heavy, lifting with poor form, or increasing the intensity and weight beyond that which their body is capable of. This can have the opposite of the desired effect, causing potentially serious injury in addition to shocking the body, which can result in the development of many ailments. A sound and effective weight training routine for most people begins with just 2 days per week for around 15 to 20 minutes, in conjunction with cardiovascular exercise each day.

Try to work your entire body by utilizing a combination of cardiovascular and strength exercises which include the lower body, as well as the upper body and core. Each of these areas is essential to sound functional strength, as the three work in concert during nearly every task or activity we perform. In order to be able to squat down and pick up a dropped fork at age 85, it’s imperative to start protecting your muscle mass at age 45. Preventing a decline in muscle mass and strength will ensure that you maintain your independence and quality of life well into old age.

This post is contributed by Ron McDiarmid, who is the founder of My Healthy Living Coach. Having had health challenges along the way Ron was keen to share the research and learning he gathered. Through MHLC this continued into a current presentation of healthy lifestyle choices and how to implement them. Check out his website at http://www.myhealthylivingcoach.com.

This coming May, the Philippines prepares itself to host one of the most significant sporting events in Asia. The 2015 Asian Rugby Championships (ARC) will be held at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan on May 6 and 9, and the Philippine Volcanoes will be playing for national pride in front of their countrymen.

Formerly known as the Asian Five Nations tournament, the 2015 Asian Rugby Championships will feature four of the best rugby-playing nations in Asia under the auspices of the Asian Rugby Football Union’s (ARFU) Division I. These are the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and Singapore.

For the Philippines to win the bid to host the ARC, the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) had to show that it could handle the logistics of the event as well as provide the raucous enthusiasm that fans worldwide have shown for rugby. “We really wanted to secure that homecourt advantage,” notes Jake Letts, scrum-half for the Volcanoes. “That means we’ll have the home crowd, we’re more used to conditions here, and it’s easier for us to go from place to place.”

Since beginning participation in international rugby competition in 2008, the Philippine Volcanoes have steadily climbed the world rugby rankings. Beginning in Division IV, the Volcanoes rose to Division III, then Division II, and Division I in consecutive years. This is proof positive that the Philippines is a rising rugby nation.

According to Matt Cullen, former coach of the Volcanoes and current director of the PRFU, thanks to the support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the PRFU has tried to spread the love for the sport outside Metro Manila. “We’ve been reaching kids in Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod,” he says. “So we hope that the ARC draws even more fans to support the Volcanoes.”

2015 will be a critical year for the Volcanoes as they will be participating in the Southeast Asian Games will be held in June in Singapore and they will be playing in qualifying matches for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. The team therefore wants to drum up support and start their year on the right foot with the coming Asian Rugby Championships.

Since opening in 2014, the Philippine Sports Stadium in Ciudad de Victoria, Bulacan can hold 25,000 people and the Volcanoes are hopeful that the stands will be packed with flag-waving, rugby-loving Filipinos. “We want to show our countrymen and the rest of the world that the Volcanoes are ready for global competition,” says Letts. “We’re really looking forward to showing everyone how Filipinos play rugby at the ARC.”

One Man’s True Story of Ultra Recovery From Alcohol, Drugs and Obesity

It’s no surprise that, for many, New Year’s resolutions have already fallen by the wayside. However giving up won’t get us any closer to achieving our goals. Just ask David Clark, a former 320-pound alcoholic, turned pro athlete. Clark’s hard-hitting autobiography, Out There: A Story of Ultra Recovery, proves that persistence and a strong desire will pave the way for success.

Meet David Clark. He grew up poor and homeless, living out of his father’s pickup truck. With no formal education to build upon, he beat the odds. He went from being homeless to owning a chain of 13 retail stores by the time he was 29 years old. However his success was short-lived and he ultimately lost everything due to poor choices and addiction. He had hit rock bottom from reckless eating, binge drinking and popping pills.

Miraculously, reality hit him with the realization that if he didn’t change his ways on that very day, he would surely die. From that day onwards, David drew a line in the sand, leaving his addictions and unhealthy lifestyle in the past. His remarkable journey and refusal to give up, is described as “raw and riveting.”

At 320 pounds and with this new resolve, he started training for the Ultra Marathon, an extreme racing event where runners attempt a grueling 100-mile trek through the Colorado terrain. Runners are allowed a mere 30 hours to complete the race. Not only did he conquer the course in under 30 hours on his first attempt, but he lost more than 150 pounds, and beat his drug addictions. Further, he has competed in and won some of the toughest endurance events in the world. He now uses Ultra sports to help others conquer their own demons.

“If you want to see the world’s greatest athletes, watch an Ironman Triathlon,” says Clark. “The ‘ultra’ world, in contrast, isn’t about outperforming the other participants. It consists mostly of runners who push themselves to the brink of failure in an effort to measure the depth of their own strength.”

Nowadays, David Clark spends his time as a running coach, sponsored runner, inspirational speaker, and gym owner.